Chapter 3 The Fall of Favor

Victor shot me a triumphant glance, lowering his voice. "Nathan, the smart ones know when to play along. You go head-to-head with Mr. Reed, and what do you get? Me? I just talk a little, keep Mr. Reed and the AI happy, and my paycheck stays untouched. You? You work yourself to the bone, and for what—nothing to show for it?"

I stared at his smug face, my stomach twisting with rage.

So, this was Lucas' idea of efficient management. It rewarded the sly and punished the diligent.

At that moment, Lucas stepped out of his office, a file in hand.

He cleared his throat and delivered a decision that sent shockwaves through the office. "Attention, everyone. You all know the Silverbrook Bay project in Southgate, right?"

Every head went still. That project was the crown jewel of the industry—and nearly half a year of my blood, sweat, and tears.

"I've just reviewed the AI's employee potential assessment report. According to the data, Victor is currently the most enthusiastic and promising member of our entire sales department. The AI doesn't lie; it sees things the human eye can't."

He paused, then fixed his gaze on me.

"So, effective immediately, Victor will take full responsibility for the Silverbrook Bay project. Nathan, hand over all your files and materials to Victor before the end of today."

The office erupted in murmurs.

Everyone knew how difficult that client was. I was the only one who had managed to break through, and now the deal was at the final stage, just one step away from signing.

Handing the project to Victor, who was all talk and no substance, was like knocking over a chessboard when the win was already within reach.

Even Victor froze, then practically leapt for joy, bowing repeatedly to Lucas. "Thank you, Mr. Reed! Thank you for trusting me! I won't let you or the AI system down!"

"Beep! Employee Victor Hayes accepted a major challenge. Emotion high, motivation max. Reward: 100 positive energy points."

Lucas nodded, clearly pleased, then shot me a deliberately provocative look. "Nathan, this is natural selection in the AI era. Your time is over."

I looked at the familiar AI interface, drew a slow breath, and opened the company intranet, trying to access a few backend paths.

A warning suddenly filled my entire screen.

"Severe Warning! Employee Nathan Gray, ID 0371, attempting unauthorized system access!"

Before I could react, Lucas stormed over with two security guards in tow.

"Nathan! Trying to hack the company system now? You've got some nerve!"

He jabbed a finger at my nose, spittle flying.

"Slacking off at work, slumping in your duties, and now sabotage! People like you are the cancer of this company!"

He snatched my mouse and pulled up my surveillance feed on the big screen.

"Everyone, look at this! Our former sales champion—what is he doing now? Trying to attack company property!"

My colleagues hung their heads in silence.

Only Claire looked at me, worry and sympathy shining in her eyes.

Lucas soaked in the moment, relishing the display. "Nathan, I'm giving you one last chance. If your overall rating is still the lowest in the department this week, consider your time here over."